Human Resources Manager

The Human Resources Manager is responsible for leading and managing all aspects of HR operations for our manufacturing company. The HR Manager will serve as a strategic partner to leadership and a trusted resource for employees, responsible for implementing HR policies, managing compliance, recruiting, training, employee relations, performance management, and safety initiatives. The ideal candidate will be comfortable and confident being the sole HR resource for the company and has experience operating as a department of one. The Human Resources Manager will report directly to the CEO of 88 Acres.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND JOB TASKS

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and company policies.
• Administer payroll and benefits programs (health, retirement, PTO, etc.)
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records and manage HRIS/timekeeping systems
• Maintain and update the employee handbook and HR documentation
• Coordinate workplace investigations and handle disciplinary actions when necessary
• Serve as the primary contact for employee questions and concerns
• Promote a positive workplace culture, and spearhead initiatives to drive company values
• Lead employee engagement initiatives and support retention strategies
• Manage full-cycle recruitment for hourly and salaried roles including job description review and development, candidate recruitment and sourcing, conducting interviews and coordinating offers with candidates
• Manage full employee life cycle process including onboarding, orientation, and offboarding
• Collaborate with department heads to forecast hiring needs and workforce planning
• Manage employee leaves of absence in accordance with state and federal laws
• Lead performance review processes and assist managers with employee development initiatives as needed
• Identify training needs and coordinate internal or external training programs supporting a culture of continuous improvement
• Support safety initiatives including OSHA reporting, safety auditing, and spearheading initiatives to support a safe workplace
• Provide strategic support to company leadership regarding workforce planning, compensation analysis, performance management, and aligning HR strategy with company goals and initiatives

REQUIRED SKILLS, ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong understanding of HR laws, regulations (FMLA, FLSA, ADA, EEO, OSHA), and best practices.
• Strong understanding of payroll processes, benefits administration, and total rewards strategies.
• Experience identifying training needs and implementing programs to support employee growth.
• Experience using Paylocity preferred, or other equivalent experience using HRIS platforms
• Capable of making sound, timely decisions that balance organizational needs with employee concerns.
• Skilled in handling employee relations issues with fairness, discretion, and professionalism.
• Ability to guide managers and staff in developing performance and resolving interpersonal challenges.
• Experience supporting organizational change and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Clear, professional communicator who can draft policies, memos, and reports, and speak effectively to all levels of the organization.
• Ability to build trust and rapport with employees, managers, and leadership.
• Comfortable working in a diverse workforce and promoting inclusion and respect in the workplace.
• Highly accurate in recordkeeping, policy documentation, and compliance activities.
• Able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Uses data and metrics to guide decisions and improve HR practices.
• Maintain strict confidentiality in all HR-related matters.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or related field.
• 5+ years of HR generalist or managerial experience, preferably with experience working in a single person HR department
• Experience in manufacturing or similar environment preferred
• In-depth knowledge of employment laws, HR practices, and compliance.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• PHR or SHRM-CP certification preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Environment: This position is based in our Canton, MA office within a manufacturing facility. The HR Manager will regularly interact with both office staff and production floor employees.
• Physical Requirements:
• Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Occasional walking on the production floor is required, including exposure to typical manufacturing noise, temperature changes, and machinery.
• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds (e.g., files, office supplies).
• Work Hours: Standard business hours (typically Monday through Friday), with occasional flexibility required to address urgent issues, attend off-shift meetings, or support special events.
• Travel: Minimal; occasional travel for training, recruiting events, or corporate meetings may be required.
• PPE: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses or hearing protection will be required when on the production floor.

BENEFITS

Benefits for full-time employees include medical, dental, vision, employer-funded life insurance, 401k with company match, paid time off, paid holidays, and pet insurance.